The Childcare Resource and Referral Network is a statewide resource designed to provide free support for families looking for childcare, childcare providers looking for assistance, and employers trying to connect employees to childcare. The Network aids communities to help them address their childcare needs, as well.  Kristi Burkhart is Director for one of the five regional Network operators, and she talks on this podcast about all of the services provided through the program and how to access them ..read more

Entrepreneurship in rural communities takes a little extra effort.  In this second podcast dealing with the connection between economic development and regional planning councils, we explore how the Southern Indiana Development Council partnered with economic development organizations to stimulate the redevelopment of an endangered Vaudeville theatre and energize entrepreneurship at the same time.  Greg Jones, Southern Indiana Development Commission, Chris Pfaff, Knox County Economic Development, Nicole Like, Pantheon Theatre, and Jeff Quyle, Radius Indiana, join Lee Lewellen on this ..read more

Entrepreneurship in rural communities takes a little extra effort.  In this second podcast dealing with the connection between economic development and regional planning councils, we explore how the Southern Indiana Development Council partnered with economic development organizations to stimulate the redevelopment of an endangered Vaudeville theatre and energize entrepreneurship at the same time.  Greg Jones, Southern Indiana Development Commission, Chris Pfaff, Knox County Economic Development, Nicole Like, Pantheon Theatre, and Jeff Quyle, Radius Indiana, join Lee Lewellen on this ..read more

Forbes Magazine named Indiana as the #1 state for starting a business in 2023 and Indiana ranked #4 in the US for the survivability of its start-ups.  David Watkins, Senior VP for Entrepreneurship and Small Business talks on this podcast about IEDC’s efforts to support entrepreneurs including the new Connect IND website.   This podcast is sponsored by Duke Energy ..read more

Hustle SBE is a unique cohort-based experience focused on female and minority entrepreneurs in the South Bend – Elkhart region.  Over the last four years, over 60 entrepreneurs have participated in this unique business bootcamp and have grown their businesses and their networks as a result of it.  Bethany Hartley, President and CEO of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership share details about the program and insights about building the ‘entrepreneurial ecosystem.’   This podcast is sponsored by Duke Energy ..read more

Jeff Rea, CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber isn’t sure what a ‘COVID Czar’ is, but he has earned that title from his colleagues. On the latest episode of ‘Economic Development Is More Important Than Ever,’ Jeff shares his experiences after being tapped to coordinate COVID-19 activities in St. Joseph County and how he anticipates the crisis will change economic development.  ..read more

In this episode of our ‘Economic Development Is More Important Than Ever,’ podcast series Tim Eckerle and Mikayla Marazzi of the Grant County Economic Growth Council talk about their role as a convener in Grant County, the impact of their small business COVID-19 loan fund, and what they are anticipating will be the impact of the crisis on economic development.  ..read more

For our first podcast in the ‘Economic Development is More Important Than Ever’ series, Lee Lewellen talks with Corey Murphy, Henry County. Corey and Lee talk about what Corey is doing today to help businesses survive during the crisis and how he expects the practice of economic development to change post-crisis.  ..read more

On the northside of Kokomo you can see the flurry of construction activity as the community prepares to welcome the Stellantis and Samsung joint venture.  But as the community prepares to welcome a new business venture, it is also preparing to welcome a new social venture as it anticipates new neighbors from South Korea.  Lori Dukes and Misty Knisely with the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance talk about the wide range of activities underway to make Kokomo a welcoming city for the incoming Korean nationals. This podcast is sponsored by Hoosier Energy ..read more

Two years ago, Ivy Tech received $2.6million to provide free tech certification to Indiana young people. The program expires in June and the program has been underutilized. Stephanie Wells, consultant to Ivy Tech, talks in this podcast about the need to recruit 17 – 29 year old Hoosiers before March 2020 to receive this training. People going through the training will receive free tech certification and assistance with job placement. Listen NOW and help get the word out.  ..read more